The line is both funny and smart.
I have had to chain,, yes chain, myself into some specific USCG Boats. They are self bailing and self righting. So,,, if we rolled over I would remain as the wheel so I had access to the controls.
I have also take a 30 foot bungie line and sat on it when out in the ocean on massive waves while riding my ski. If you get tossed off, you can't catch the ski. You simply can't swim fast enough due to the ski being blown away from you.
And,,, I have probably pulled 20 people out of the water that were in the process of drowning, a line tied to them would have been GREAT to have...
The irony of it all, I bet she is very happy to have that line tied to her. Even if she says she hates it.
Glad you are getting out more often with your family..